Openeye Camera Compatibility

[Malcolm Lozada]

Mostcameras with ONVIF compliance will state that they are ONVIF compliant in either their manual or spec sheet. It is essential to know if a camera is ONVIF compliant due to the requirement for 3rd party requirements to work with our system. Click here for more information on 3rd party support.

ONVIF information will also list the specific ONVIF profile of the camera. ONVIF has multiple profiles for different types of compatibility. An ONVIF profile is specific to the type of devices used and the features that are needed to communicate. For example, ONVIF profile S is in IP camera systems. Devices with different profiles may still work together, but it is best for them to match. Clicke here for more information on Onvif Profile Compatibility.

Please note that even if the camera states it is ONVIF compliant, it may be incompliant. It may abide by old standards or be incompatible with other ONVIF devices. We recommend checking the ONVIF website for compliance. Click here for their web page.

I've got an application where I'd like to use a Hikvision DS-2CD7254FWD-EIZS with an OpenEye NVR but I'm concerned about compatibility. I've checked with OpenEye and their response is their NVRs are compatible with any ONVIF camera but does that mean that all of the features of the camera will be available. Other than bringing in the camera and NVR, does anyone have suggestions? Thanks

I'm not going to jump to the defense of the company just yet as I have yet to see updates, but I have definitely had very positive interaction with their tech support. Coming up on a month since my last post about the system. I do still have it. Considering Costco's liberal return policy, I could easily have taken it back and it has crossed my mind a couple of times but all in all I'm pleased with what I have. I don't know about any link between them and Openeye. Taking a look at their NVR, it doesn't have the capabilities that this one does (i.e. Openeye limits live view to max 4 cams??), but I really didn't do a lot of digging here. I'm doing my best to be un-biased and just relay my observations of my overall experience.

And, thanks for updating with posts regarding AvertX. I'm still curious about them, but for pro gear dollars, am currently thinking I'm leaning toward a QNAP/VioStor NVR solution like the VS-4116 Pro+, with my choices of cameras at various specific locations. Compatibility is a good thing, I think.

Second was low light performance. Since I bought the system with the domes (before the IR cam package was available), I lost the lighting that I had in the old analog cameras with IR built in. I have since bought 4 of their HD90 IR cameras, and added a $10 IR illuminator for one of the domes that is in a dark area. If I was going to do it again, I would buy the IR camera package, and add on dome cameras as needed. This was really just about the needs of my specific install rather than the product.

Worst part of the system for me. I like to watch different screens depending on the situation and currently there is no way to configure a custom layout. You want to watch a 4 way? You can watch 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16. You want to see a 4 way with camera 1, 4, 9, 15? nope. You just have to watch it in a 16 window view.

A couple other things that bug me would also be easily fixed. The "search" function gives a list of videos (i.e. searching by date+time+motion) but you can only play one video than you have to go back to the search window start a new search. Since your setting isn't saved, it's a little frustrating to search through 10+ events unless you have a good memory and remember the last one you played each time.

Best part? Function, design, video quality are all good. It's an incredible bump up from my analog system. All that considered, what I have found most surprising is the support. They aren't open nights and weekends, but when they are open my calls were answered immediately by people that knew the product and didn't treat me like an idiot. It also helps that I don't have to strain to understand the accent of someone trying to speak English as a second language. If I bought a similar Chinese product, I don't think I could expect attentive support, updates, and a decent return policy.

Lastly, referring to the post about compatibility. It might be an issue with some of the IP cameras out there, but most of the newer ones seem to be ONVIF complaint (which this system is). I did try to hook up 2 Q-See (Dahua?) 720P cameras but they were older and not ONVIF so they did not work with this system.

If Avertx is associated with OpenEye, run, they make the worst cameras I've ever used. We got 7 of their top of the line IR vandal domes and it was a disaster. The IR light bleed was horrible, the NVR died after a few weeks, the NVR was the slowest I've ever seen. Took the tech onsite over an hour to extract a video event to a USB stick. At last year's ISC West event, they were sort of arrogant. I can see why they would resurrect under a different brand name because I can't be the only one that was disappointed by their product.

We us an OE3-E480 openeye dvr at work. I didn't choose them, the long gone installer did. The first one died after a couple months. The replacement has been doing well and support was okay to get it done. They do update firmware for their products and software. But having used the E480, their top of the line 16 channel, I think it's way overpriced for a unit that can't do D1 30 fps on all channels- WAY overpriced. I wouldn't be compelled to buy openeye myself, that's for sure.

As far as MP cameras, it seems to me that relying on IR in the camera is a lateral move from analog and I would never go through the expense and change out of a whole system to end up with that. My IR cameras attract spiders. I'll be damned if I get even better resolution of that. I would ONLY buy non IR domes and provide sufficient exterior light, or if I had to, get IR sensitive domes and provide separate IR fixtures. Unless you're in an area where spiders aren't a consideration [is there such an area], IR MP cameras are a silly consideration if you have the problem with analog IR cameras.

I enjoyed over 30 years tenure with a major Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, including serving as a Regional Service Manager covering 11 southern states way back in the 70's, but no involvement with surveillance/security systems until now. Yes, both my feet are indeed getting very wet...

I need maximum reliability and flexibility with as little complexity as possible for my little sister's new 45 acre property acquisition in the Blue Ridge mountains near Asheville, NC. She sold her Veterinary Clinic in Alaska and is retiring and relocating to her new place next month. She will be raising various animals, and there will be several outbuildings, barns, tractor shed, workshop, etc, where cams may ultimately be helpful. The front gate is 650' from the house and not quite line of sight, but I think I can reach the location with pole mounted wireless for a couple of cams there (call box, straight on front view). We're trying NOT to have to bury cable/fiber over the hilly, rocky terrain at that distance. Ethernet Over Powerline is not an option, as power near the gate location is separated by 2 transformers from power at the house. We will also need to figure out a networked gate control system/intercom, but I have some ideas in that regard (but ANY input is most welcome, there). Also, reliable cellular service is not available at this remote property, presently, but I am investigating directional antennas and amplification, as a 3watt "bag phone" was able to make a call or two, sporadically, so there is at least a little bit of signal "out there". I'm planning to cover key locations across the property via APs (5GHz Ubiquity?), so she will have internet access while outside the house for Smartphones, iPads, etc, which could also be used to monitor camera locations.

I was wondering how the avertx system has been working out for you. Would love to see pics/or some video of the images you're getting. I just looked at their offerings on costco and for the 16 channel, I'm amazed to see it has 16 POE built in. All things considered, this product looks like it has possibilities. But so far, you're the only one who seems to have it! If ya don't mind, some samples would be very cool. Thanks.

Have not had a chance to look into QNAP up close. They were at the ISC West show and they said they would lend me a unit for a review. Another one to look at is Synology, a NAS company that has NVR software, priced pretty well at a couple of hundred for the NAS and then $50/cam after the first free one. I did have a chance to play with the ACTi NVR, don't remember model numbers but it runs on Linux and was very responsive with all the cameras they had plugged into it.

Here's what I look for in an NVR or NVR software, it has to be responsive, I have to be able to see multiple cameras at a time during playback. I like to be able to scrub a timeline and see all the cameras play back at the same time. I like the layouts to be flexible meaning I don't want to buy 6 cameras and see 2-3 empty slots because of poor layout choices. I like one that can handle 16:9 and 4:3 ratios effectively and not look goofy, I like it if they had smartphone apps where I can live view cameras as well as playback recordings, I like there to be very complete remote browser access. I like it to be easy to click on the start/stop spots a timeline and quickly export video. And of course, I like it support all my cameras (the hardest part).

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